Aug 24 2009
The Top 5 Healthiest Seeds
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I previously posted my list of different types of nuts that are healthy and nutritious. Like nuts, seeds are a vital part of our diet. Seeds are high in fiber, vitamin E and monounsaturated fats that can help keep our heart healthy and our body disease free.
Healthy seeds are also great sources of protein, minerals, zinc and other life-enhancing nutrients. Numerous studies have shown that different types of seeds and nuts can actually prevent weight gain, the development of heart disease and the accumulation of LDL cholesterol.
If you are going to add seeds to your diet, I would recommend that you eat only organic seeds, in their raw state. I personally try to avoid irradiated or roasted seeds, and stick with raw seeds. Here is my list of the five healthiest seeds you should add to your diet. (In no particular order)
1. Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are truly a superfood, as they are packed with an impressive list of nutritional attributes. Perfectly balanced with a three to one omega-6 to omega-3 oil ratio, they are also an excellent source of gamma linoleic and stearidonic acid.
Containing 10 essential amino acids, hemp seeds are composed of over thirty percent pure protein, making them an excellent daily protein source. They are also composed of 40 percent fiber, the highest amount of any grain on earth! Also containing disease-fighting phytosterols, studies show that hemp seeds, or even hemp milk, may prevent heart disease, many forms of cancer, as well as inflammation-based diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
2. Sunflower Seeds
The perfect phytochemical-rich seed for those of us looking to lose weight, as they promote healthy digestion and increase fiber intake.
Sunflower seeds are also extremely rich in folate, a very important nutrient for women. They are packed full of good fats, antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, selenium and copper, all crucial elements in preventing heart disease, cancer, and other forms of troublesome cellular damage.
3. Sesame seeds
Traditional societies have touted the positive benefits of this seed for thousands of years.
Sesame seeds are very high in calcium, magnesium, zinc, fiber, iron, B1 and phosphorus, sesame seeds are unique in their chemical structure. Possessing important cholesterol-fighting fibers known as lignans, studies show that these seeds can lower blood pressure, as well as protect the liver from damage. Sesame seeds also may help prevent Arthritis, asthma, migraine headaches, menopause, osteoporosis and PMS.
4. Pumpkin Seeds
Some scientific studies have shown that the components of pumpkin seeds may stop the triggering of cancerous behavior in male prostate cells.
Pumpkin seeds are high in a form of antioxidant known as carotenoids, a special plant derivative that enhances immune activity and disease fighting capacities. These seeds are also high in omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, two important nutrients that may play a role in warding off inflammation, arthritis and osteoporosis. Finally, pumpkin seed are high in phytosterols, plant components that aid in keeping stable levels of cholesterol, enhanced immune response, as well as cancer-fighting attributes
5. Chia seeds
Yes, just like the seeds you used for sprouting your Chia pet, these seeds are from the mint family. Extremely tiny, yet extremely potent, these small seeds are packed full of fiber, protein, nutrient oils, various antioxidants and even calcium.
Studies show that chia seeds stabilize the blood sugar, lower our risks for cardiovascular disease, as well as increase weight loss. These amazing little seeds are an excellent source of high-quality fats, as they are made up of a whopping 34% pure omega-3 oils.
The Benefits of Eating Seeds
I personally love to eat raw seeds and nuts. I eat them on a daily basis and they give me more natural energy than any other food. They’re great if you want a quick, healthy snack that is still low in calories. Obviously, there are many types of seeds that I left off this list, but the seeds listed above are my personal favorites.. What’s your favorite type of seed?
October 17th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Excellent and very informative articles. Could yo tell me about flax seeds and its benebit please.
Cheers
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September 29th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Pumpkin juice cures cancer of all kinds. According to Siddha medical system practiced in Tamilnadu in south most Indian state. Thank you for the valuable information. Pumpkin is a source for many medicines .
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September 29th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Hemp seed, is a wonderful seed, and should be promoted more, as should all the foods that are beneficial to humans.
Unfortunately hemp seeds are not available in australia for humun comsumption as yet we can only buy the ground which is sold as pet food. Nonetheless I still use these in my smoothies and a food source, it would be nice to try some hemp seeds to use in cooking as one would use beans. Thank you for your article it has only reaffirmed the need to eat healthy.
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September 23rd, 2009 at 10:56 am
I loved your article I was not aware of all the benefits that Pumpkin seeds had. I love the nut and take Omega 3 everyday now I know that as I enjoy my pumpkin nuts I will be ingesting more Omega3 Thank You for the useful information.
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September 23rd, 2009 at 10:55 am
Excellent article. I didn’t realize that Hemp seeds had so many healthy attributes, such as Omega 3s. I’m particularly interested in this seed as my dad has Parkinson’s disease. It may be something that he could snack on during the day and gain a healthy benefit.
He’s also taking shark liver oil to increase his Omega 3 intake.
Thank you again for such an informative article. I really learned a lot.
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September 22nd, 2009 at 9:17 am
Hemp: Not For Human Consumption
(taken from article on Weston Price Foundation site written by Sally Fallon)
http://www.westonaprice.org/farming/hempandkenaf.html
Dr. Group, i’m curious about your thoughts?
A number of companies are now selling hemp oil, toasted and shelled hemp seeds and granola bars containing hemp seeds. This is not a good use for hemp. Hemp may be appropriate for domestic animals and birds, but it should not be used for human food. In China, where cultivation of hemp originated, hemp oil was used occasionally, but there are no references in the Chinese literature to the use of hemp seeds as food for human beings. (Simoons, Food in China, 1991)
Hemp oil has been promoted in recent years as a “heart healthy” oil that is rich in essential fatty acids and low in saturated fat. Hemp oil is indeed highly unsaturated, and this is exactly why it should be avoided. Hemp oil is over 75 percent polyunsaturated, containing about 55 percent omega-6 fatty acids and about 20% omega-3 fatty acids. It contains only about 10 percent saturated fatty acids and 10 percent monounsaturated fatty acids. It is, therefore, highly unstable and prone to oxidation; and the high content of linoleic acid makes it particularly unsuitable for human consumption. Diets containing an excess of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-6 fatty acids, have been linked not only to heart disease but also to cancer and autoimmune disease.
An additional problem derives from the fact that hemp oil may contain traces of cannabinoids and these substances can then turn up in the urine of those who consume it. In one research project, seven adult volunteers purchased hemp oil from a health food store and ingested 15 milliliters each. Urine samples taken at 8, 24 and 48 hours after ingestion were positive for THC. (Journal of Analytical Toxicology October 1997 21(6):482-485.) If these volunteers had been obliged to give a urine sample to their employers, they would have failed their drug test.
Because hemp oil is highly unsaturated, it makes an excellent base for paints and varnishes. In fact, there is no need to consider hemp for human consumption except in small quantities for medicinal purposes. There are many good fats and oils that humans can use and there are many good industrial uses for all the by-products of the hemp plant. Let’s not make the same mistake with hemp that we have made with soy, by promoting its inappropriate use as a human food.
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Karen replied on December 17th, 2009:
I use cold pressed organic hemp seed oil to make salad dressing, but it is NOT to be heated for cooking!
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maggie replied on October 7th, 2009:
well,well,this surprise me, but make a sense to me, thanks for this article,if this information come from Weston foundation must be right,thanks,maggie,ormond beach,fl
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September 18th, 2009 at 8:46 am
It’s so good to see Hemp Seed as no. 1 in your list. It is indeed the healthiest seed. Hempseed is considered by leading researchers and medical doctors to be one of the most nutritious food sources on the planet. Shelled hempseed is packed with 33 percent pure digestible protein and is rich in iron and vitamin E as well as omega-3 and GLA.
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September 17th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Hey Dr. Thanks for this article. Have not heard of hemp and chia seeds but will find out. Hmm… hope you dont mind me asking bout nuts here.
I heard in Kerala, India they use endosulfan on cashew nuts. And it’ll have long term side effects on consumers. Another one is peanuts attract pests so farmers got to use lots of pesticides, thus peanuts are the least healthy nuts. True?
Are there any organizations out there with reports bout whether certain countries have defiled guidelines and food production laws. Thanks
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September 17th, 2009 at 11:59 am
That is such a great idea you are so right. Thank you so much we need more ppl like you.
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